Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning a return to the United Kingdom, concluding a six-year period in California where their ambitions in Hollywood and the broader entertainment industry have reportedly stalled. Sources suggest the couple has exhausted their opportunities in the U.S. and are now looking to re-establish themselves in the UK.
Their departure follows a series of business ventures that have failed to gain significant traction. The documentary "Cookie Queens," a project about the Girl Scouts, reportedly had a meager box-office performance, earning $564,847 in its initial two weeks of release. While a source close to the couple defended the film, citing a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score and its potential as part of a broader awareness campaign, industry insiders have pointed to its limited financial success.
The couple's lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix, negotiated in 2020, is described as "limping along." Meghan Markle's series, "With Love, Meghan," was canceled after two seasons, and Netflix has also reportedly withdrawn support for her "As Ever" brand. Similarly, a $25 million deal with Spotify concluded in 2023 after only one season of Markle's podcast, "Archetypes," with both parties mutually agreeing to part ways.
Industry insiders have suggested that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex struggled to shed their royal personas, which may have hindered their integration into Hollywood. One source described a "thirst" for them to maintain a royal lifestyle in their interactions, but noted they never fully defined their public identity in the U.S. The same insider characterized Meghan Markle as the more "thirsty" of the two, driven to prove their significance independent of the Royal Family.
Prince Harry, according to one source, is not naturally inclined towards producing and has historically focused on service and charity work rather than business ventures. His brother, Prince William, is slated to ascend to the throne, prompting speculation that Harry needs to establish a stronger presence in the UK.
Reports also indicate that the couple may have alienated some of their high-profile friends and industry contacts in Southern California, including figures like Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, with whom they initially associated upon their arrival. The couple's close friends have stated that their move is motivated by a desire for their children to experience more of the UK and spend time with extended family and friends, particularly in light of King Charles's health.
Meghan Markle was also reportedly dropped by the talent agency WME in the past year, with sources citing her as "too demanding" and "difficult to work with." Although the agency initially denied this, a different source claimed that WME principal Ari Emanuel personally communicated to Harry and Meghan that they were "nitpicking" the team provided and that the agency was "not the right fit."
The couple's decision to move back to the UK also comes as they reportedly list their Montecito mansion. While they seek to foster relationships between their children and the royal family, the strained relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William is said to persist, with reports indicating the heir to the throne refuses to speak with his brother.
This reported shift back to the UK follows a summer visit with the ailing King Charles in July. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made plans to leave California earlier this month, weeks after their reunion with the King.